Health Alert: Sleep Apnea Linked to Fatty Liver Disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is
a condition that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol
consumption. An analysis of data concerning 33,045 adults revealed that individuals with obstructive sleep
apnea have a 78% increased risk for NAFLD. BMC Gastroenterology, February 2020
Diet: Americans Throw Away a Lot of Food. According to a study that looked at the food purchasing
and consumption behavior of nearly 4,000 families in the United States, about a third of food is thrown out
at a cost of $1,866 each year per household. Study author Dr. Edward Jaenicke writes, “Our findings are
consistent with previous studies, which have shown that 30% to 40% of the total food supply in the United
States goes uneaten—and that means that resources used to produce the uneaten food, including land,
energy, water and labor, are wasted as well.” American Journal of Agricultural Economics, January 2020
Exercise: Exercise Could Boost Video Game Performance. While it’s generally believed that playing
video games and exercise are antagonistic activities, new research suggests that gamers who engage in 15
minutes of intense cardiovascular activity prior to a gaming session perform better than their peers who
typically refrain from exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, January 2020
Chiropractic: Spinal Pain Is Very Common. A survey of 5,397 middle-aged adults revealed that 54%
had experienced an episode of low back pain in the previous twelve months, while 23.6% had mid-back
pain and 29.1% had neck pain in the same time frame. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, February 2020
Mental Attitude: Many Teens Dislike High School. Questionnaires completed by nearly 22,000 high
schoolers across the United States revealed that 75% routinely experience boredom, anger, sadness, fear,
and/or stress while at school. Journal of Learning and Instruction, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: How to Deal with a Flea Infestation. To prevent, reduce, or eliminate a flea
infestation, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following: check carpets, cushioned
furniture, and cracks and crevices daily; steam clean carpets regularly and pay extra attention to areas
where pets sleep; wash all pet bedding and family bedding every two weeks; use a flea comb on your pet to
expose adult fleas; and keep your pets indoors as much as possible.
Environmental Protection Agency, January 2020
Quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” ~ Enzo Ferrari
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 2-24-2020
Health Alert: Smog Could Be Bad for Bones. In a study involving 3,700 adults living in various parts of India,
researchers found that participants who lived in areas with higher fine particulate matter air pollution tended to have lower
bone mass. Researcher Dr. Otavio Ranzani writes, “This study contributes to the limited and inconclusive literature on air
pollution and bone health… Inhalation of polluting particles could lead to bone mass loss through the oxidative stress and
inflammation caused by air pollution.” JAMA Network Open, January 2020
Diet: A Strategy to Promote Healthier Eating in Kids. Watching cooking shows may be the key ingredient to getting
children to eat healthier foods. In this study, researchers asked 125 10- to 12-year-olds to watch a public television
cooking program designed for children and then provided snacks after the viewing. The research team observed that kids
who watched a cooking show featuring healthy food were 2.7 times more likely to choose a healthy snack than those who
watched a cooking show featuring unhealthy food. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, January 2020
Exercise: Training for a Marathon Can Turn Back Aging Clock. Among a group of 138 first-time marathon runners,
researchers observed that after six months of training, participants experienced a 3- to 4-point drop in systolic and
diastolic blood pressure, as well as a 9% improvement in aortic function. The research team estimates that training for a
marathon reversed the effects of aging on the cardiovascular system by about four years.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, January 2020
Chiropractic: Cervical Spinal Manipulation Benefits TMD. Past research has shown that patients with
temporomandibular disorder (TMD) often have cervical complaints, suggesting that the conditions may be connected. In
this study, 50 TMD patients received either cervical spinal manipulation or a sham manipulation once a week for four
weeks. The researchers observed that the participants in the cervical spinal manipulation group exhibited improved jaw
function, while those in the sham treatment group reported no improvement.
Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, January 2020
Mental Attitude: Alzheimer’s Research May Head in New Direction. The results of a recent experiment in which
researchers reviewed positron emission tomography (PET) scans of the brains of 32 early Alzheimer’s diseases patients
suggest that brain regions with greater tau protein build-up are more likely to atrophy over the course of two years than
areas of the brain with fewer tau proteins. Science Translational Medicine, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Play It Safe with Household Chemicals. Common household items such as paint and cleaning
supplies can contain toxic chemicals. The Cleveland Clinic recommends the following safety tips: wear an apron, gloves,
and goggles when working with oven cleaners; ensure that the area you’re using chemicals in is well ventilated; wear latex
dishwashing gloves when using antibacterial cleaners; wash your hands immediately if you get chemicals on your skin;
and opt for non-toxic cleaners, if possible. Cleveland Clinic, January 2020
Quote: “To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.” ~ Henri Bergson
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 2-17-2020
Health Alert: Metabolic Syndrome May Raise Odds of Recurring Blood Clots. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster
of conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, problematic cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and excessive
waist circumference—that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. An
analysis of data concerning over 151,000 deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients revealed that those with metabolic
syndrome had a 37% increased risk for additional clots. Blood Advances, January 2020
Diet: Green Tea May Benefit the Heart. An analysis of data concerning more than 100,000 middle aged and older
adults in China suggests that drinking green tea at least three times a week is associated with a reduced risk for heart
attack or stroke over the next seven years. Researcher Dr. Whitney Linsenmeyer notes, “Green tea is calorie-free and
antioxidant-rich… It’s a healthy beverage to include in your diet if you like the taste.”
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, January 2020
Exercise: Judo May Help Children with Autism. Among a group of 14 children and teens with autism spectrum
disorder, researchers observed that engaging in a 45-minute judo lesson once a week for eight weeks led to
improvements in the participants’ comfort with social interactions and physical contact.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, December 2019
Chiropractic: Effects of Spinal Manipulation. Getting adjusted may improve the reflexes. In a recent study,
researchers applied spinal manipulative therapy to the cervical and upper thoracic spine of eleven healthy volunteers,
and using electromyography, they detected improved muscle reflex responses in all the neck muscles, most back
muscles, and some extremity muscles. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Teens Who Self-Harm at Greater Risk for Early Death. A recent study that monitored the
status of 9,173 children and teens who had presented to the emergency room after nonfatal self-harm revealed this
group has a significantly higher risk for suicide, accidental death, or death from other causes over the following two
years than the general pediatric population. Based on the finding, the study’s authors conclude, “A clear need exists
to identify preventive interventions that might reduce risk of self-harm in children and adolescents, repetition of the
behavior, and premature death due to suicide and other preventable causes in the self-harm population.”
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Brush Hair with Care. National Women’s Health Resource Center notes that incorrectly
brushing your hair can result in strand damage, which can lead to splits and tangles. The organization recommends
the following tips to properly brush your hair: find a brush that is right for your hair type, brush your hair gently each
day, brush your hair down from the scalp, use different brushes for wet and dry hair, and detangle your hair when
wet before brushing. National Women’s Health Resource Center, January 2020
Quote: “Wise men make more opportunities than they find.” ~ Francis Bacon
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 2-10-2020
Health Alert: Big Rise in Meth and Fentanyl Use in Recent Years. According to a study that compared urine
drug test result data from 2013 and 2019, positive tests for methamphetamine increased from 1.4% in 2013 to 8.4%
in 2019, while the detection rate for fentanyl increased from 1% to 5%. The findings suggest that methamphetamineand fentanyl-related overdose deaths may continue to increase in the United States.
JAMA Network Open, January 2020
Diet: Beans Reduce Depression Risk? Using data from the Brazilian National Health Survey concerning over
46,000 Brazilian adults, researchers have identified an association between greater consumption of beans and up to a
26% reduced risk for depression. Public Health (Brazil), December 2019
Exercise: High-Intensity Exercise May Help Epileptic Seizures. In a recent case study, a woman with drugresistant focal epilepsy experienced a reduction in seizure frequency upon switching from a moderate-intensity
exercise program to a high-intensity fitness routine. Epilepsy & Behavior Reports, December 2019
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Care for Seniors with Neck Pain. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people aged 70 and older
suffer from neck pain. A recent survey of 288 Australian chiropractors revealed that seniors account for about a third
of their patients, with neck pain affecting roughly half, often with co-morbid headaches. Among responders, the
most common treatment approach for older adults with cervical pain included a combination of manual therapies
(including manipulation and mobilization), neck-specific exercises, and self-management techniques.
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Worrying Too Much? Generalized anxiety disorder is described as excessive worrying that
prevents a person from leading a normal life. According the National Institute of Mental Health, your worrying may
be out of control if you worry intensely about everyday matters, have trouble controlling worries or feelings of
nervousness, know that you worry more than you should, feel restless and have trouble relaxing, have difficulty
concentrating, are easily startled, have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, feel tired all the time, sweat a lot, and
feel light-headed or out of breath. If you think your worrying may be out of control, speak with your doctor.
National Institute of Mental Health, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Help Your Child Lose Weight. Obesity during childhood has been linked with several
negative health outcomes that can persist and worsen in adulthood. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles notes that
minor changes can help a child maintain a healthy weight: reduce or eliminate sweetened beverages, including soda;
add more vegetables to family meals; make sure your family is eating a high-fiber diet; make sure your child is
getting enough sleep; eat together as a family as often as possible; be a good role model by enjoying healthy food in
front of your child; limit your child’s screen time to no more than two hours per day; and encourage your child to be
active. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, January 2020
Quote: “Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” ~ Harper Lee
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 2-3-2020
Health Alert: Ozone and COPD Risk. Johns Hopkins University reports that for every 5-parts-per-billion
increase in ten-year ozone exposure, the risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases by
16%, regardless of smoking history. Johns Hopkins University, December 2019
Diet: Fish Oil Supplements May Reduce Disk Degeneration. In a recent study involving rats with
intervertebral disk degeneration, those given a daily 530mg supplement of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and
EPA for two months had fewer MRI findings for disk degeneration progression than rodents given a placebo.
Future research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine if fish oil supplements may slow disk
degeneration in human patients. Medical Science Monitor, December 2019
Exercise: Exercise Reduces Breast Cancer Risk in Women of All Ages. An analysis of data from the UK
Biobank concerning over 175,000 women identified an association between higher physical activity levels and a
reduced risk for breast cancer in both pre- and post-menopausal women.
British Journal of Cancer, January 2020
Chiropractic: Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Treatment. A recent study set out to critically evaluate the
benefits of adding chiropractic under Missouri Medicaid. Based on computations and a dynamic scoring model,
investigators determined that there would be a cost savings to the state of Missouri of between $14.1 and $49.2
million per year once chiropractic care is included under Medicaid. More specifically, the study found that
chiropractic care provides better outcomes at lower cost, leads to a reduction in cost of spinal surgery, and leads
to cost savings from reduced use and abuse of opioid prescription drugs.
Journal of Chiropractic Humanities, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Depression and the Heart. Using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study for Aging,
researchers estimate that depression may be associated with up to a 36% increased risk for heart disease.
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, December 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Handling an Allergic Reaction. People can experience allergic reactions to things such
as animal dander, bee stings, chemicals, and foods, which can result in hives, itching, rash and other symptoms.
The National Library of Medicine recommends these first aid steps for mild-to-moderate reactions: calm and
reassure the person having the reaction; try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid additional contact
with it; if the person develops a rash, apply a cool compress and hydrocortisone; and watch the person for signs
of increasing distress. If the allergic reaction is severe, you should summon emergency services immediately.
National Library of Medicine, January 2020
Quote: “Action is the antidote to despair.” ~ Joan Baez
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE form your Napa Chiropractor, 1-27-2020
Health Alert: Smartphone Use Landing Users in the ER. Between 1999 and 2017, researchers estimate that more than
76,000 people visited emergency rooms in the United States for head, face, and neck injuries in relation to smartphone
usage. Lead researcher Dr. Boris Paskhover explains, “People are not paying attention and getting head and neck injuries
because they’re walking with a cellphone, and fall and break their nose or jaw.”
JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, December 2019
Diet: Most Expectant Mothers Don’t Get Enough Iron and Calcium. The results of a recent literature review suggest
that 91% of pregnant women have inadequate daily iron intake while 55% fail to consume enough calcium.
Maternal & Child Nutrition, December 2019
Exercise: How Exercise Boosts Oxygen to the Brain. Scientists have long assumed that blood is always saturated with
oxygen, but according to a recent study, this isn’t the case and may explain why exercise is linked to better brain function.
In the study, researchers monitored respiration, neural activity, blood flow, and brain oxygenation of mice using a
treadmill and found that increased respiration led to greater amounts of oxygen in the blood, thus providing more oxygen
to the brain. Based on the results, researchers conclude that respiration provides a dynamic pathway for modulating
cerebral oxygenation. Nature Communications, December 2019
Chiropractic: Chronic Neck Pain Affects Shoulder Muscle Activation. Using surface electromyography to assess
multiple muscles in the neck and shoulder region, researchers observed increased onset delays in the anterior and middle
deltoid and a peak delay in the upper trapezius muscle among participants with chronic neck pain that were not observed
in those without a history of neck pain. The findings suggest that neck pain may be associated with dysfunction in the
shoulder and may need to be addressed to achieve an optimal outcome for patients with neck pain, shoulder pain, or both.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, October 2019
Mental Attitude: Vaping Linked to Depression. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
survey concerning more than 890,000 adults, researchers estimate that current e-cigarette users are two-times more likely
to be diagnosed with depression than those who have never used e-cigarettes, and the risk for depression increases in
proportion with use. The results suggest that patients suffering from depression and other mental health conditions should
be screened for tobacco dependence. JAMA Network Open, December 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Know the Warning Signs for Stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of death and a significant cause of
disability in the United States. The American Stroke Association list the following warning signs of stroke: face drooping
on one side, arm weakness and/or numbness, and slurred speech. Other symptoms include sudden numbness, confusion,
trouble seeing, difficulty walking, and severe headache. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms,
summon emergency services immediately. American Stroke Association, December 2019
Quote: “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 1-20-2020
Health Alert: Cleaner Teeth May Lead to a Healthier Heart. A review of data concerning more than 161,000 South Korean
adults revealed that those who brushed their teeth three or more times a day had a 10% lower risk for atrial fibrillation and a
12% reduced risk for heart failure over the following decade. The researchers suspect that frequent tooth brushing may reduce
the presence of potentially harmful germs between the teeth and gums, preventing the bacteria from entering the bloodstream
and causing an inflammatory response that is associated with an elevated risk for atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, December 2019
Diet: Eat More Peas and Beans for Heart Health? New research suggests that consuming several servings of legumes per
day is associated with a reduced risk for coronary heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. Study co-author Dr. Hana Kahleova
writes, “Americans eat less than one serving of legumes per day, on average. Simply adding more beans to our plates could be a
powerful tool in fighting heart disease and bringing down blood pressure.” Advances in Nutrition, November 2019
Exercise: Fitness Consultation Key to Motivating Child Cancer Survivors. Questionnaires completed by child cancer
survivors revealed that just one exercise physiology consultation was enough to improve exercise levels among nearly three
quarters of these patients. The findings suggest that tailored guidance from an exercise professional should be a standard in the
treatment of child cancer survivors due to the potential lifelong benefits. Heart and Mind, November 2019
Chiropractic: Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain. Forward head posture is a common postural fault that’s associated with
excessive screen use. A systematic research review has determined that adults with neck pain are more likely to exhibit forward
head posture than individuals without neck pain. It’s hypothesized that forward head posture places added stress on the upper
trapezius, erector spinae, and the neck extensor muscles, potentially raising the risk for musculoskeletal pain in the cervical and
thoracic spine. Doctors of chiropractic often address postural faults—such as forward head posture—with spinal manipulation
and neck-specific exercises. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, November 2019
Mental Attitude: Vitamin D Levels and Dementia. Poor vitamin D status has been linked to several adverse health outcomes,
including an increased risk for cognitive decline and dementia. In an effort to understand whether maintaining healthy vitamin
D levels throughout life offered neuroprotective benefits, researchers compared the rate for dementia among individuals with
genetically high vitamin D levels and the general population. The results showed that the genetically high vitamin D group had
a significantly reduced risk for dementia, which suggests maintaining healthy vitamin D levels throughout life my slow
cognitive decline or even stave off the development of dementia. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, December 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Retainer Care Tips. Keeping your retainer clean can be difficult, but it’s important for preventing
cavities and infection. The California Association of Orthodontists suggests these retainer care tips: wash your hands before and
after handling your retainer; soak your retainer often in a vinegar-and-water solution; never boil your retainer, as you can ruin
the custom mold; clean with a baking soda scrub or a non-harsh toothpaste; and use a denture cleaner twice per week.
California Association of Orthodontists, December 2019
Quote: “You must learn to take a step back and visualize the whole piece. If you focus only on the thread given to you, you lose
sight of what it can become.” ~ Colleen Houck
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 1-13-2020
Health Alert: Are Migraines and Asthma Linked? Using a decade of data from a national database, South Korean
researchers report that there appears to be a bidirectional relationship between migraines and asthma with migraineurs having a
37% increased risk for asthma and asthmatics having a 47% elevated risk for migraines. Further research is needed to
understand the link/s between migraines and asthma. Scientific Reports, December 2019
Diet: Eating During a Ten-Hour Window Improves Health of Those with Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a
cluster of conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, problematic cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and excessive waist
circumference—that occur together and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In a new study involving
19 individuals with metabolic syndrome, researchers observed that when participants restricted their eating to a ten-hour
window every day for twelve weeks, they reduced their calorie intake by nearly 9%, lost an average of 3% of their body weight,
and reported more restful sleep. Their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels also improved.
Cell Metabolism, December 2019
Exercise: Which Exercise Is Best for Bone Health in Obese Older Adults? Weight loss among obese seniors can lead to
bone loss and an increased risk of fracture. In a new study that included 160 obese older adults, researchers found that resistance
training or combined resistance and aerobic training were both effective in reducing weight loss-induced decreases in bone
density, while aerobic training alone was deemed ineffective in this regard.
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, December 2019
Chiropractic: Chronic Neck Pain Linked to Lower Neck Strength. A review of findings from fifteen published studies
concluded that patients with chronic neck pain have reduced strength in the muscles used for flexion, extension, and lateral
flexion of the neck in comparison to individuals without a history of neck pain. Doctors of chiropractic often incorporate
specific exercises to strengthen the muscles in the neck, shoulder, and upper back of patients with chronic neck pain to decrease
pain, improve function, and reduce the risk for recurrence.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, November 2019
Mental Attitude: Domestic Abuse Can Lead to a Lifetime of Poor Health. An examination of the medical records of over
92,000 women revealed that survivors of domestic abuse are two-times more likely to have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
syndrome (CFS) than females with no history of domestic abuse. Study author Dr. Joht Singh Chandan writes, “Domestic abuse
is a global public health issue, with as many as 1 in 3 women affected worldwide… We hope these first of their kind research
findings will change healthcare practice and will be of assistance in the early diagnosis of fibromyalgia and CFS in women who
have been abused.” Journal of Interpersonal Violence, December 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Writing Can Help You Deal with Stress. Noting that past studies have shown that writing down your
thoughts and feeling about difficult situations can improve your mood, reduce your risk for becoming ill, and increase your
productivity, the American Psychological Association recommends keeping a diary or a journal.
American Psychological Association, December 2019
Quote: “There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.” ~ Aldous Huxley
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 1-6-2020
Health Alert: Air Pollution Linked to Glaucoma Risk. In this study, researchers analyzed data regarding more than 111,000
adults in the United Kingdom and found that those living in areas with the highest levels of fine particulate matter air pollution
had a 6% greater risk for glaucoma. Study author Dr. Paul Foster notes, “While we cannot confirm yet that the association is
causal, we hope to continue our research to determine whether air pollution does indeed cause glaucoma, and to find out if there
are any avoidance strategies that could help people reduce their exposure to air pollution to mitigate the health risks.”
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, November 2019
Diet: Extra Virgin Olive Oil May Prevent Various Dementias. The accumulation of the protein tau in the brain is associated
with an elevated risk for several forms of dementia. In this study, researchers observed that when mice prone to accumulations
of tau consumed a diet high in extra virgin olive oil, they had 60% fewer tau deposits than rodents on a standard diet.
Additionally, the mice on the extra virgin olive oil diet also performed better in standard maze and object recognition memory
tests. Aging Cell, November 2019
Exercise: Muscle Mass Linked to Heart Health. New research that reviewed ten years of health data concerning over more
than 1,000 adults indicates that men and women with more muscle mass in middle age were less likely to have hypertension,
diabetes, and obesity—all risk factors for heart disease—than participants with less muscle mass at midlife.
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, November 2019
Chiropractic: Pain Is Common in Kids, Teens, and Young Adults. Researchers reviewed the healthcare usage of 373,178
Swedes under the age of 24 and found that 15.8% sought treatment for at least one painful condition in 2017, with abdominal
pain, joint pain, headache, and back/neck pain being the most common. Of these individuals, one in seven consulted with their
healthcare provider at least four times during the year. The findings suggest that pain is a common complaint among children
and young adults. European Journal of Pain, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Concussions in High School Increase Risk of Suicide. An analysis of data concerning more than 13,000
high schoolers in the United States revealed that student athletes who reported having a concussion in the last year were more
likely to report feelings of depression, suicidal ideations, and planned or previous suicide attempts. Lead author Dr. Dale
Mantey writes, “Everyone needs to be aware of the warning signs and the risks that come with concussions—parents, teachers,
coaches, but also the students themselves… If there is any concern that a child may have suffered a concussion, it is critical to
seek medical attention. If a child is diagnosed with a concussion, everyone in their support network should look for changes in
mood or behavior that may be warning signs of reduced mental well-being.” Journal of Affective Disorders, November 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Identifying Risk Factors for Eating Disorders. The National Eating Disorders Collaboration explains
that eating disorders are the result of a combination of psychological, social, and genetic factors like low self-esteem or
perfectionism; overvaluing body image in defining self-worth; stress, depression, and trauma; avoidance of social interaction;
involvement in a sport that emphasizes body shape; troubled family or personal relationships; and teasing or bullying.
National Eating Disorders Collaboration, November 2019
Quote: “Endurance is patience concentrated.” ~ Thomas Carlyle
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.
WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 12-30-2019
Mental Attitude: Dealing with Job Burnout. If you experience high levels of physical or emotional exhaustion at
work that reduce your sense of accomplishment and personal identity, then you may be suffering from job burnout.
To manage job burnout, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following: work with your supervisor to change
expectations; seek support from co-workers, friends, or loved ones; try a relaxing activity that can help with stress;
exercise to take your mind off of work; and get some sleep to restore well-being and protect your health.
Mayo Clinic, October 2019
Health Alert: Many Parents Not Following Safe-Sleep Advice for Their Babies. A survey of moms across the
United States revealed that many parents fail to follow all four of the American Academy of Pediatrics’s
recommendations to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): place infants to sleep on their back;
sleep in the same room but don’t share the same bed; avoid soft objects or bedding; and use a firm sleep surface.
Pediatrics, October 2019
Diet: Vitamin D May Improve Muscle Function in Seniors. Maintaining skeletal muscle function is vital for
promoting independence, mobility, and quality of life among seniors. An analysis of data from 4,157 communitydwelling adults aged 60 years and over revealed that older adults with deficient vitamin D levels were significantly
more likely to have impaired muscle function. Study author Dr. Niamh Aspell writes, “Overall our findings add
weight to the evidence in favor of public health strategies to eliminate vitamin D deficiency in older populations.
Future research, however, should identify and focus on older adults with vitamin D deficiency and aim to better
understand if reversing this deficiency improves skeletal muscle function.”
Clinical Interventions in Ageing, October 2019
Exercise: Gentle Exercise Improves Outcomes in Older Patients. Elderly adults who engaged in a home-based
fitness program featuring stretches, light weights, and low-impact cardio reported an increased capacity to complete
everyday life tasks and activities. Innovation in Aging, October 2019
Chiropractic: Mobilization Provides Benefits to Knee Osteoarthritis Patients. Osteoarthritis of the knee is one
of the most common causes of disability among older adults. A study involving 40 patients with knee osteoarthritis
revealed that those treated with mobilization therapy, a form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic,
experienced knee-related improvements with respect to pain, function, strength, and range of motion.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, October 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Supplement May Increase Cancer Survivability. The results of an analysis of
data concerning 81,362 adults from ten clinical trials suggest that cancer patients who take a vitamin D supplement
may have up to a 13% reduced risk for cancer-related mortality. Bioscience Reports, October 2019
Quote: “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.